My other Shepherd

Mentor, guardian, wise counselor, role model . . . what is a "shepherd" to you? In my previous posts, I have written about our Lord Jesus Christ living, longing, and yes dying to be our shepherd.
In our lifetime we may be fortunate to have other shepherds, too. Please allow me to honor just a few who have helped me to steer away from danger and benefit from safer pastures. I.V. Ashby, an elder in Edmond, was the first hand of fellowship for this young man coming out of the waters of baptism. Everette Baird insisted that I go as a 6th grade camper to the very first week of Camp Rock Creek in Norman. Other elders of my teen years at the Edmond Church [Paul Weiss, L.A.Holland, and Darvin Gruver] were giants of faith to me.
The next shepherd to come into my life changed me forever with his encouragement and example. Morris S. Childress, a short Texan with a "ten gallon" heart, brought his family of girls to OKC so I could cross paths with my lifemate. After Jeannette and I met as counselors at Rock Creek Youth Camp, Morris, or "Jack" as his friends knew him, became my father-in-law and mentor. You may have guessed. . . his middle initial stood for "Shepherd"... Self-educated, humble war hero, student of God's Word, Morris Childress was an elder of the South Woodward flock. His stellar work ethic got everyone's attention at Harter Concrete. His love for lost souls became a model for the next generation.
We are truly blessed to have good shepherds. gary